Mountain Meadows Massacre
In memory of 140 men, women and children NW Arkansas emigrants to California. In 1857 under leadership of Alexander Fancher (Piney Alex) left from Caravan Spring 4 miles south of here around May 1st – Camped at Mountain Meadows, Utah in early September – attacked by Indians, directed by Mormons – formed a corral with wagons – fought several days till ammunition exhausted – approached by Mormons under flag of truce – promised protection – surrendered – all were then killed except 17 small children – found later in Mormon homes – rescued by Army in 1859 – taken to Arkansas – cared for by relatives – John D. Lee, Mormon Bishop, tried – found guilty – executed in 1877 – confessed guilt and Mormon complicity – Consult Russells behind these Ozark Hills (1947) Goodspeeds History of Arkansas (1889) p. 346-350 in regional library Harrison.